DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI CITATIONS
BUTCH IRELAND
programs focused on student success. Though retired now, she says she is “not tired – I’m re-firing!” Childers is still committed to helping students and educators flourish through her work with Young Ladies Success, which helps empower young women and prepare them for college and careers, and Mvita Educational Consulting, where she works to help teachers succeed. “I want to help others and keep my mind sharp,” Childers says. She is passionate about guiding young people to discover their potential and work to set goals, overcome challenges and develop a strong work ethic. Childers continues to teach online college courses, as well as welcoming her grandson (a current ACU student) and his friends for frequent dinners at her house in Abilene. She also volunteers with CitySquare Abilene, serving as an educational resource for teenagers seeking guidance. “I’m an avid believer in lifelong learning,” Childers says. “I hope I continue to be a resource to help others, the way I had people ahead of me to help me.” With grit, determination and a joyful servant’s heart, she plans to continue serving her community in all the ways she can.
Terry and Essie Childers
Essie
CHILDER S
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Fall-Winter 2023
ACU TODAY
– KATIE NOAH GIBSON
KIM LEESON
“This is what I tell young people: The world is yours,” says Essie (Charles ’75) Childers, who recently retired after a long career dedicated to teaching and inspiring students. Since she was a student herself, Childers has enjoyed working with young people, helping them overcome obstacles and find the motivation, skills and resources to pursue their dreams. “I had great mentors,” Childers says of her teachers in Longview, Texas, where she grew up attending public schools. Although racial tensions ran high during the forced integration of the local high schools, Childers participated in various clubs and activities, and attended Southwestern Christian College for a year before transferring to ACU. She met her husband, the late Dr. Terry L. Childers (’74), during her undergraduate years. The couple married in 1973 and spent time in Austin and Tyler before moving to Oklahoma City, where Terry became its first Black city manager. Essie taught in public schools and community colleges in both Texas and Oklahoma before taking a break from teaching to raise their children. She earned a master’s degree in reading from The University of Texas at Tyler and remained involved in her community through serving in the Junior League and teaching ladies’ Bible classes. “It’s so important to be able to give back and serve others,” she says. Later in her career, Childers spent 14 years teaching at Blinn College, where she pioneered several courses and
Randy
CLINTON Randy Clinton (’77) has always considered himself a champion of the underdog, whether during his 13-year career in banking or in his work with the homeless. Clinton, who was a drum major in the Big Purple Band and president of Gamma Sigma Phi fraternity, worked